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I. THE OBJECT TO WHICH MOSES REFERS.

1. Personal religion.

(1)  Imperative in its nature.

(2)  Comprehensive in its requirements.

(3)  Universal in its extent.

(4)  Perpetual and eternal in its obligation.Set your hearts to consider the nature of this law. Set your hearts to pray for that grace which will enable you to love the law of the Lord. Set your hearts to expect the accomplishment of that promise (Deuteronomy 30:6).

2. Family religion.

(1)  Parental duty must be regulated by the law of God.

(2)  Parental duty is authorised by the command of God.

II. THE AFFIRMATION WHICH HE MAKES CONCERNING IT.

1. It is not

(1)  an empty, airy, unsubstantial thing;

(2)  not a vain, deceitful thing;

(3)  not a foolish, senseless thing;

(4)  not a fruitless, unproductive thing.

2. It is "your life." To the Jews especially it —

(1)  was the means of prolonging their life;

(2)  added to the happiness of their life.

(3)  promoted the utility of their life;

(4)  prepared them for eternal life.Concluding inferences —

1. Religion consists in setting your heart to know and to keep the commandments of God.

2. Religion is not a vain thing. Thousands deceive themselves. Some treat it with sovereign contempt. Others profess to know it, but their conduct belies their profession.

3. Religion is your life. Then seek to know, love, and serve God.

(Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.)

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KJV: For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

WEB: For it is no vain thing for you; because it is your life, and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land, where you go over the Jordan to possess it."